Broken

Chapter 14- Love Is a Funny Thing

A/N: Um, I'll hide behind a rock... I am so sorry for such the long wait. This isn't even cool of me. I will never do that again! I hope this can somewhat make up for it!

I own nothing! My always thank you to any anonymous reviews I had! My always thank you to Dreamer1483! I love that girl so much; I don't know what I or the story would do without her! And to my always loyal reviewers, (Solstice07 and Kkaty and the rest of you) I love you! My anonymous friends-thank you! All of your reviews make me smile! :)

Puck's eyes opened with the streaming sunlight, Rachel snug against his chest. They were fine now, sure the small break down set them back, but they were living by themselves; for now, Puck thought sourly. Finn was due back in a little under two weeks, and he knew, just knew shit would hit the fan.

Gently untangling himself from Rachel, Puck slipped out the door with one thing on his mind; apartment listings. If Finn got too out of control, they would have a backup plan in the form of their own apartment.

Grabbing a cup from the cupboard, he poured his coffee and sat down with yesterday's paper, highlighter in hand. Puck sat quietly contemplating his relationship and the new levels it had reached. When Rachel first arrived all those months ago, he never would've guessed it would lead to love, to looking through apartment listings for them, or thinking about engagements; well okay, that thought just crossed his mind, whatever, same difference.

After almost 20 minutes of Puck pouring over apartment listings, Pixie padded in, looking up at him and then to her bowl expectantly. Growling softly, Puck reluctantly pulled himself away to get her the food and water she wanted. "There, happy?" Puck said, looking at the dog, smiling to himself, an idea popped into his head and immediately set off to work.

…***...***

"Babe? C'mon, wake up," Puck nudged Rachel, kissing her cheek gently. Rachel groaned but didn't move. "Baby? It's almost 10, c'mon, wakey, wakey." Puck kissed her again, poking her side gently.

Rachel groaned, she honestly didn't want to wake up. She was enjoying this whole sleep in thing. But as her senses came to her, she could smell the fresh coffee, that was enough to motivate her but she could also smell the aroma of breakfast. More specifically waffles. And she had a weak spot for waffles. Cracking her eyes open, she was met with the sight of her handsome boyfriend, reaching up she pecked his lips. "Mm, what smells so good?"

With a smirk, Puck stated proudly, "Breakfast, in bed for the love of my life." He kissed her lips one more time before sliding off the bed to get the tray of food balancing precariously on the edge of the nightstand, watching his girlfriends eyes widen slightly at the single red rose that was on the tray. "I made you waffles, cut you some fresh fruit, and I know you hate eating your breakfast with coffee, so I made sure you had a cup of cranberry juice. Oh and the side of syrup is homemade or locally made, I stock up when I go to Rhode Island in the spring. Waffles aren't the same without Uncle Buck's maple syrup." Puck smiled down at Rachel, waiting for her to sit up so he could place the tray in her lap.

Rachel sat up slowly, this kind of gesture had never been done for her before. It was something she always saw in the movies and wished it would happen one day to her. And here before her stood a man who just spent time making her breakfast, showing her he loved her. "All this, for me?" Puck smiled again, nodding slowly. "Wow, it looks really good. And you remembered no coffee with breakfast. God, I love you." Rachel smiled, stretching her neck to show him she wanted a kiss. He happily obliged, kissing her slow and sweetly.

"I love you, too, baby. Now eat up before it gets cold." Puck joked lightly.

Rachel nodded, taking the first bite of her waffles. "So good, thank you Noah." Rachel saw that he was still standing at the edge of the bed, staring down at her with a loving smile. "Noah? Are you going to sit with me?"

"Sure babe," Puck sat next to her, throwing his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. Rachel smiled widely, cutting a piece of the waffle and getting a strawberry, she held it up to Puck, waiting for him to take it. "Feeding me now?" Puck asked, voice colored with amusement.

"You have to try these delicious waffles my boyfriend made me." Rachel tried not to giggle as Puck raised an eyebrow.

"Should I be jealous of this said boyfriend?" Puck asked in a mock seriousness. Rachel ended their playful banter with a kiss to his lips.

…***...***

Rachel gathered the leftover items onto the tray, Puck had gone off to take his shower so they could go out later. The only thing he would tell her was they had 'things' to see, she was only a little scared. She walked out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, a huge grin on her face, saying hello to Pixie on her way there. She promised Puck she would do her dishes, even though he wanted to argue with her.

As soon as she walked in, she noticed his coffee mug holding down the newspaper, laughing to herself she went to pick up the coffee mug. There were sections highlighted all over the paper, the bright yellow decorating the paper really caught her eye. She hesitantly picked up the paper, holding her breath as she read the first highlighted box. Le Rivage: One Bedroom, mst bath, full bath, living room, study, lg ktch and alcove; $4,500/month. Security deposit and 1st month's rent due at time of lease sign.

Rachel's hand flew to her mouth, a small whimper escaping. Is he cheating on me? Did he find someone better? Does he not love me anymore? But breakfast... Rachel's thoughts ran frantic as she tried to grasp for something, anything, any reason or sign that he never loved her. Does he need space? Rachel sat down slowly, willing the tears to stay in her eyes. Oh, please god let this be a misunderstanding. Rachel heard the bedroom door open, Puck's steps growing louder.

"Hey baby, I was thinking, maybe we could move all your shit into my room or yours whichever. But the running back and forth must be driving you..." Puck stopped short, seeing her shoulders slumped and shaking slightly. "Rach? What's..."

"Are you leaving me Noah? I'm serious this time. Last time you were out late, and you said no, that you loved me. But... Now there's apartment listings highlighted. Only the one bedroom apartments. If-if-if you need time apart, tell me now. I'll get on the first flight back to Li-Lima and you can just stay here. I-I don't want to kick you out of your own apartment." Rachel took a deep breath, trying to control the urge to break down. She was better than that, she could hold herself together a little longer.

Rachel had rattled off the rant so fast, Puck didn't even have a chance to blink. Kneeling down in front of her, Puck took her face into his hands. "Rach, deep breaths. Those listings, I figured we'd have a backup plan. Finn comes home soon and shit will hit the fan. If it gets too much, I want somewhere that we can go, just us. I wanted us to get the apartment together. You and me; that's what we're supposed to do today, look and if we see something we like, sign for it." Puck took a deep breath, "Look, I've never done this before. Never moved in with a girl, just the two of us."

Listening to Puck's explanation, her tears turned to one's of joy. "Do you really want to move in together?"

"Yeah babe, I do." Puck thought how hopefully one day they would be saying those exact words in a different setting and with a big audience. "Now wipe away the tears, the first one has our name all over it!" Puck laughed, kissing the top of her head.

Rachel's eyes grew wide, "Le Rivage? No. Too big, too expensive." She argued, standing toe to toe with him.

"Nope and nope. I think it's perfect for our first place together! Oh, by the way, we're meeting Sam for pizza tonight at his place." Puck informed her has she backed away.

"That sounds lovely Noah." Rachel kissed his cheek gently before walking off, her insecurities still following her.

…***...***

The Realtor, Nanci, looked down at the couples joined hands before opening the door to the study. "So, you see this, if need be could be another bedroom. Would you like time to look around by yourself before making a decision?"

Rachel looked around the large room, feeling as if this place was really big for just the two of them. "Noah, do we have to make a decision today?" She looked up at him, gently biting her bottom lip.

Noah knew she would say this place was too big and the realtor's comment about needing an extra bedroom? Not necessary. "We'll take those few minutes please?" Nanci nodded before heading out the main door. "Come on babe, what's not to love. Besides the fact that this would be ours. No brother to interrupt us, no Kurt barging in asking to use the mirror, no having to make dinner for four. I think even Pixie would love it here. It's large and spacious, and... I just really like it babe." Puck walked out of the room and across the way, towards the main bedroom. "Did you see how nice this bedroom is?" Walking out of there and taking a sharp right, going through the small hallway before it opened up to a large living room. "And fuck, the living room, we could have all our friends over!"

Rachel stood watching Puck, a large smile on her face, he really wanted a place to call theirs. "Oh! So if we get this, can we turn the study into a spare so we can have your parents come out more often?" Rachel watched Puck's face drop a little before lighting right back up. She thought this is where he would argue with her but instead he surprised her by running and scooping her up in his arms.

Puck peppered light kisses all along her cheeks, listening to her laugh. "Baby, we can do that as long as Papa Berries come stay here too." Puck knew that would have her, that it would mean the world to have her father's come here.

"Do you mean it Noah?" She asked softly.

"Yeah baby, I do. I love you." Puck kissed Rachel softy just as the Nanci came back in.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I just wanted to check on everything." Nanci watched as the two love birds pulled away from each other. "So, do we have an answer?"

"We'll take it." Both Rachel and Puck said in unison.

As the realtor retrieved the papers from the office, and Puck grabbed the check he had in his wallet, Rachel wandered into the kitchen, her kitchen. Rachel had always loved to cook and bake but something warmed her inside knowing she had a kitchen of her own. Maybe we could do Thanksgiving here, my parent's, Noah's family, Finn and Quinn and maybe a few friends that don't travel home. The boys can watch Football while us girls cook and talk...something I've always dreamt of... Rachel was broken away from her thoughts as two arms snaked around her waist, she leaned into his touch, both of them standing in the middle of the kitchen.

Puck had found Rachel standing by the stove lost in thought. "What's got you thinking babe?" Puck asked quietly, not really wanting to break the silence.

"Thanksgiving." Rachel replied, not going any further.

"Thanksgiving? Babe, we just got through the holidays, don't rush this years." Puck laughed, kissing the top of Rachel's head.

"No." Rachel shook her head, turning in his arms, "I mean, can we have it here? With our family?"

Puck's eyes lit up, to think that she was already thinking of a Thanksgiving with their families under one roof. Sure it might get hectic but he could already see it; his dad, her dads, Finn and him, lounging on the couch watching football while the girls finished dinner, and dessert. He could see Rachel playing hostess with a big smile on her face as her and his mom talked about anything and everything; he could see after a long day of cooking, giving her a foot massage and thanking her for the wonderful food. And none of this even fazed him, it all seemed so natural, he desperately wanted it-that there kind of scared him. "Yeah, we can have that." With a gentle kiss to her lips, Puck leaned his forehead on hers, "In a matter of 15 more minutes, this place will be ours and you can plan all the Thanksgivings you want."

Nanci watched from the door way as her two young clients shared an intimate moment, it seemed too perfect to break, so instead she watched. When Nanci had first met them she had categorized them as young and 'in love' but now that she has seen them, she can't quite understand why she doesn't have a ring on her finger. Clearing her throat, Nanci spoke up, "Are we signing you both onto the lease or just one?"

They both spoke different answers at the same time. Puck saying yes and Rachel saying no.

Puck looked down at Rachel quizzically, "Baby, I want you to be on the lease."

"Yes, but Noah, what if something happened to us, and you say that I can have the apartment, there is no way I would be able to keep up with a $4,500 payment a month." Rachel looked at Nanci, unsure of how she felt disclosing such a matter in front of a stranger. She smiled hesitantly over at Nanci before looking up at Puck.

Puck still shook his head, he understood where she was coming from but at the same point, he knew she loved this place just as much as him and she deserved to be on the damn lease as well. "I'm not going to cave on this one, you're signing it too. You love it just as much as me, therefore your name is right next to mine on that dotted line. Get it? Got it? Good. Now let's move on." Puck clapped his hands together, both Nanci and Rachel shaking their heads.

…***...***

"So you just leased an apartment, like that?" Sam snapped his fingers, watching Puck nod as he bit into another slice of pizza. "Dude, I wish I had the money you do. That place must be...ginormous!" Sam had a wide eyed expression on his face.

"Sure it is," Puck threw his arm over Rachel's shoulders, smiling widely. "And it's our apartment, not just mine. But for now, we'll still live at the one with Finn and if shit does hit the fan, we're out." Glancing at Rachel, he knew it was something she was hoping wouldn't get that far. "I mean of course we're hoping not, but..." Puck shrugged, trying to make it not seem as big of a deal as it really was. He really wanted that apartment to work out in his favor.

"Noah..." Rachel drawled out, "It's just that Finn is my brother and moving out would make him have to change his living arrangements."

Puck kissed the top of head, "I know babe." At that exact moment, Puck felt his phone go off, reaching in and seeing who it was, he had to take it. "Hold up babe, I have to take this. Be right back." Puck jumped off the couch heading towards the kitchen.

Rachel sighed, this night is not what she expected it to be. Who was calling that was so important that he had to take it? "Everything alright?" Sam asked quietly.

Rachel looked up at Sam, seeing the general concern for her written in his eyes. Plastering on a smile, Rachel answered him, "Yes... No... I don't know," Rachel deflated against his piercing gaze.

Sam nodded, "Well, I'm always here if you need to talk, I do consider you one of my friends."

Rachel looked at Sam for a moment, trying to judge if he meant what he said or not, "You do?"

"Of course, I mean I might not know you, but I'm willing to, if you'd want?" Sam didn't know where this was coming from, but when Puck walked out of the room, something in Rachel's eyes said she was feeling horrible, or maybe insecure. But deep down he knew she needed a friend.

Rachel showed a genuine smile, how could she not? She didn't get many offers of friendship and she was going to take them as if they were worth a million bucks. "I would love that!" Rachel exclaimed, making Sam chuckle quietly.

When Puck got off the phone, he had turned to head back into the living room with Sam and Rachel, staying quiet as the scene before him unfolded. Sam wanted to be her friend. Maybe this won't be so hard, Puck thought warily to himself. "Hey babe, I have to go out for maybe an hour or so, mind staying with Evans?" Puck tried to keep it light, but he hated the way his gut twisted with guilt, lying to her was never an easy task.

Rachel's face dropped, a feeling that she couldn't quite place, one she had never experienced ripped through her chest, leaving her breathless and almost in tears. "No, I don't, it will give us time to explore this new friendship..." Rachel trailed off, trying to force a smile.

Puck could see it and instantly just wanted to take her with him, forgetting the task he had at hand. But he had to do this, for her, "Thanks babe, I love you." Puck kissed her sweetly on the lips before heading towards the door.

"I love you too Noah," Rachel said quietly, but still with conviction. She would always love this man.

"My cell is on if you need me babe!" Puck called over his shoulder as he walked out the door.

As soon as the door shut a few traitor tears escaped from Rachel's eyes; Sam stared at her not knowing what to do or what to say. Instead he moved over to sit next to her, rubbing her back gently. "Rachel, what's wrong?" Sam stayed quiet letting Rachel calm herself.

After a while Rachel finally spoke up, her voice hoarse from the crying she had just finished. "Can I ask you something?"

Sam cleared his throat, even though he offered a friendship towards Rachel, he had feeling this was going to get into dangerous territory. "Of course, ask away."

Rachel contemplated asking him, this could all get back to Puck and then he would know that she still had insecurities about their relationship that she doubted would ever go away. She already has experienced being cheated on, she knows that feeling all too well, and would like for it to not happen again. Rachel chewed on her bottom lip thinking of the best way to go about this. "Promise me none of this will get back to Noah?" Rachel asked, not meeting Sam's gaze.

"Rachel..." Sam started to protest, he knew if something was wrong he would have to risk her trust and tell him anyways.

"I'm serious here Sam, promise me, please?" Rachel gave him a tearful expression that really said she needed to get whatever was on her mind off her chest.

"I...just...fine. I promise Rachel, this won't get back to Puck." Sam tried to vow, hoping it would get her to open up.

Rachel took a deep breath, "Do..." It came out as more of a squeak, readying herself once more, she started to ask her question. "Do you think Noah would cheat on me?" Rachel looked up to watch Sam's expression.

Pure shock took over his face. "What? No! I don't think that's possible, Puck could never, would never do that to you! He's been wrapped up in you, and what you're all about since you first moved in. I swear that guy fell in love with you the moment you stepped foot in the apartment!" Sam took a deep breath, "Honestly, I have no idea where he went, all I know is the guilt of just not telling you where he's going is eating him alive, never mind the lying part. Give him a day, he'll crack and tell you." Sam gave her his best smile. In all seriousness he was going to punch Puck when he walks through that door, there's no way he doesn't know this is how Rachel would react.

Rachel just nodded towards Sam's words. Maybe he was right, maybe Puck wasn't cheating on her, but something just continued to nag away at her gut, something just wasn't right. They lapsed into a comfortable silence, watching the infomercial that neither of them really cared about. "I do trust him, don't get me wrong, and love him very much..."

"There's just something bugging you about the whole situation. What does my sister call it? A woman's intuition? Yeah that's it." Sam watched as Rachel chuckled, she did find it amusing that he could finish her sentence. "What's so funny?"

"You finished my sentence." Rachel laughed a little bit more.

Sam shrugged, "Yeah, I know." Sam let Rachel lean against him as her eyes drifted closed, for whatever reason he knew this friendship would help her in the long run. Now his only concern was of Puck, this friendship might not go over well for him. As Sam fell asleep his last thought was Puck was already running 45 minutes late.

…***...***

"Yes I'm sure this is what I ordered," Puck explained for millionth time. He was growing very frustrated with the woman behind the counter.

"Sir, I asked if you wanted it gift wrapped, the last time you were here, you rushed out of the place." The woman answered in a shrill voice, sounding very annoyed herself.

"Yes, I would like it gift wrapped. It'll save me time. Now can we please hurry it up?" Puck tapped his fingers impatiently on the glass.

"Mhm, I'll be right back out." The lady turned on her heel, going into the back room. Puck glanced down at the display case below him, noting the diamonds that glittered. He soon realized he was starring down at the engagement rings. He was so lost in his own thoughts he didn't even hear the woman approach, "Is there a lucky lady you would buying one of those for?" Puck just nodded, still looking at the wedding band sets. "Oh, well, I can ring you out over here, if you're ready." Puck just nodded again, pulling out his credit card and handing it to the lady. "Wouldn't you like the total before I slide this through the machine?" The lady asked, wonderment coloring her tone.

"No, it doesn't matter." Puck grumbled, still wanting to get out of here. But now the idea of a ring was playing around in his head, but how would he go about that? Was she even ready for a bigger more serious commitment? Hell, was he even ready to take that step? He kind of figured one day she would be more than a girlfriend, especially sense Nana approved so fast.

Puck quickly signed the dotted line and swiped the bag from the lady, walking out the door and pulling out his phone he dialed his mother's number and waited for her to pick up.

"Noah, so nice to hear from you. What's up sweetheart?" Hanna answered the phone, sweetly talking to her son she missed dearly.

"Ma, I need you to find out what's happening with all of Nana's things, there's a few item's I know are mine, and I really want to see them again. And also, I think it's time Rachel met your side of the family." Puck knew this would be tough and he wasn't surprised when he was met with silence.

"One, I do not know, the attorney's have yet to call me. And why? I haven't spoken to them since your senior year of High School. They are not all that important. Is it necessary?" Hanna's voice grew cold talking about her parent's.

"Fuck ma..."

Hanna cut him off in a scolding tone, "Language Noah Aaron Puckerman!"

"Sorry ma, anyways, yes, I need her to at least meet them," Puck asked nervously.

"Fine, we'll take the week off this month and you can meet us there. Happy?" It wasn't that Hanna hated her parents or wanted her children to stay away, but there was a lot of history.

"Yes, thanks ma, let me know when." They said their good byes and Puck was head back towards Sam's place and his girlfriend, feeling a little better. He just hoped that his Grandparents approve of Rachel as much as Nana did.

A/N: Love it? Hate it? Please let me know. Updates will be back to a somewhat regular schedule now, definitely no more almost two month long waits! Promise!

Next up: We meet Hanna's parents! :)